Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group
Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.
My surgery date is September 19. Anyone experience severe anxiety or fears before surgery? How did you cope with them?
I've waited and worked long and hard for this and there were more than a few bumps in the road. I started to allow it to get to me but then I remembered "things happen for a reason". I was still disappointed it took me 20 months to get to the actual date but at least it's happening.
My only problem now is nerves. It's not full blown fear as much as anxiety about the surgery, post-op, etc. I'm a self admitted control freak and I really don't have control over that part. I trust my surgeon, my PCP, my cardiologist who are all some of my biggest cheerleaders in that. I recognize I'm truly lucky to have them, my husband, my family and close friends all cheering me on and helping me with this milestone. Still, doesn't ease the anxiety i'm feeling. Toss the long awaited excitement in there and I'm an emotional mess!
It's likely just the fact that every time I got this close there was a new hurdle. (sigh) From getting my insurance to agree to anaphylactic shock to a heart attack and cath to insurance again to cardiac reahb to insurance again and POTS ... it's been a long, long 20 months. Physically, I feel good - except my bad knee -- I just can't shake this anxiety.
I hear myself in my own head as I'm giving advise at work. (I do psych rehab) and KNOW it's normal. There is some fear ... any serious health issues makes you look at your own mortality. I'm also a very strong willed person and I don't allow others to see my fears. I tend to hold things in and people think I'm "strong" and handle everything so well.
I guess what I'm asking is for how you handed this.
I've waited and worked long and hard for this and there were more than a few bumps in the road. I started to allow it to get to me but then I remembered "things happen for a reason". I was still disappointed it took me 20 months to get to the actual date but at least it's happening.
My only problem now is nerves. It's not full blown fear as much as anxiety about the surgery, post-op, etc. I'm a self admitted control freak and I really don't have control over that part. I trust my surgeon, my PCP, my cardiologist who are all some of my biggest cheerleaders in that. I recognize I'm truly lucky to have them, my husband, my family and close friends all cheering me on and helping me with this milestone. Still, doesn't ease the anxiety i'm feeling. Toss the long awaited excitement in there and I'm an emotional mess!
It's likely just the fact that every time I got this close there was a new hurdle. (sigh) From getting my insurance to agree to anaphylactic shock to a heart attack and cath to insurance again to cardiac reahb to insurance again and POTS ... it's been a long, long 20 months. Physically, I feel good - except my bad knee -- I just can't shake this anxiety.
I hear myself in my own head as I'm giving advise at work. (I do psych rehab) and KNOW it's normal. There is some fear ... any serious health issues makes you look at your own mortality. I'm also a very strong willed person and I don't allow others to see my fears. I tend to hold things in and people think I'm "strong" and handle everything so well.
I guess what I'm asking is for how you handed this.
I have been on this journey since January of last year, so I understand the pre-surgery frustration, it was 20 months for me as well. And I guess I got so used to it being "in the distance" that when I finally got the authorization I freaked.
I am also a control freak and have been spending the last two months reading obsessively, trying to figure out how best to "control the post-op portion of the journey". I know that I cant control it and that I just need to let go and experience it, but it hasn't changed my attempt at control. Or my anxiety.
My surgery is thursday, so I can't tell you how TO handle it, all I can say is your not alone. And my way of handling it is to journal, read, read, journal, and walk.
Please know you are not alone.
Try to relax as much as you can. Did you meet with a therapist before the surgery, for psych eval? If so, can you schedule a visit to talk about your anxiety? If not maybe your doctor can recommend someone? Or if there's a bariatric support group in your area, you should join!
Best wishes and prayers that you hane an unevetful and speedy recovery from the surgery.
Shelley
Have you tried some breathing exercises to relax a bit? Try listening to some sootheing music.
Try to have confidence in your surgical team. And I pray for peace when I get anxious and it does help. I will pray for your peace and for your anxiety to lessen for you. Best wishes. debby
I have met w/ a psychologist for my pre-op approval. I talk with a friend who is a therapist on and off and it helps. I think the experience of so many feelings that differ all at once is a big part of it. I'm not a patient person so 20 months is a lifetime of higns and lows. I know the fear and excitement is normal ~ my surgeon says not to have those feelings are more of a concern for him. I trust my surgeon and his team. They are wonderful and very personable. I can't ask for a more motivating team.
I've been doing some meditation and it helps. I may journal - I did a long time ago for other life changing events and it helped. I've been reading everything and anything I can get my hands on to prepare. LOL ... my husband thinks I"m reading too much . :)
My count down 17 days .... I'm just so ready for this.